We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.ContinueFind out more

Definition of aquamanile in English:

aquamanile

noun

A water container or ewer, typically in the form of a mammal or bird, used in medieval times.

‘Created after oriental models, aquamaniles were frequently of a profane character.’

‘Indispensable throughout medieval Europe, aquamaniles were often used to pour water over the hands of a diner at a noble table, while an attendant would hold a basin and present a towel for him to dry his hands.’

‘The top of Phyllis’ head has an opening to fill the aquamanile with water and the water runs out through the tap.’

‘We suppose that this aquamanile had an exclusively secular purpose because it is similar to the sign of the zodiac used in medieval woodcuts.’

‘International discoveries of complete ceramic aquamaniles are rare, because they are delicate and easily damaged.’

‘For instance, a small group of metal artifacts from the time of the Abbasid caliphate in Iran includes some unique bronze vessels, including an aquamanile in the form of an eagle, regarded as the earliest precisely dated bronze object from the Islamic period.’

‘The aquamanile eventually evolved for secular use during the renaissance and these items found their way onto the dinner tables of the rich.’

‘The exact provenance of the aquamanile is difficult to establish, but a liturgic use seems possible.’

‘Most of the aquamaniles in the National Museum were used in churches, but these two were used at banquets in prosperous homes.’

‘Of prime importance in the realm of religious objects are gold and enamel works and aquamaniles made of bronze.’

‘Basically, the aquamanile is a horizontal jug used to wash hands.’

‘Given its unwieldy weight and awkward small spout and handle, this aquamanile was probably used more for display than for washing hands, all the better to allow admiring viewers to follow the drama enacted.’

‘This striking piece of Scarborough Ware is technically known as a zoomorphic aquamanile - an animal shaped water vessel, in this case a ram - the applied pellets of clay represent wool.’

‘Hollow wares constitute a very large category, ranging from the ewers, aquamaniles and jugs of the late-medieval period to lidded and open tankards, wine-cups, christening cups and goblets.’

‘On display will be small bronze sculptures, liturgical implements, artifacts in gold, glass cabinets, altar paintings, water containers known as aquamaniles and statues.’

Origin

Late 19th century: from late Latin, from Latin aquaemanalis, literally ‘ewer of water’.